Strong showing for NW on Waterways Renaissance Awards shortlist

Northwest based projects are set to sweep this year's Waterways Renaissance Awards as the prestigious ceremony comes to Manchester.

A glance at the recently released list of finalists shows that a third of the twenty-seven nominated projects are located in the Northwest.

In the strategy and master planning category, three of the four short-listed projects are from the region, including the Mersey Waterfront regional park.

Chair of Mersey Waterfront, Sara Wilde said: "These prestigious awards celebrate the best of the best in urban regeneration.

"So to be short-listed to the final four nationally is testament to the important work the Mersey Waterfront team is doing to enhance our stunning coastline."

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and dinner at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester on Wednesday March 12th 2008.

The event will be hosted by Jim Hancock, former BBC political editor and presenter of BBC News North West.

The Waterways Renaissance Awards, run by The Waterways Trust and BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association), aim to recognise best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK.

Roger Hanbury, chief executive of The Waterways Trust, said: "The modern renaissance of our waterways continues apace, transforming our environment, creating education and business opportunities, injecting new life into areas and bringing communities together.

"The Waterways Renaissance Awards are now in their sixth year and all projects making the final list are excellent examples of what can be achieved with vision, commitment and partnership working."

The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Sir Neil Cussons.